King County Metro continues bus base upgrades to accommodate zero-emission fleet transition

Credit: King County Metro

King County Metro has provided an update on the progress that has been made on its south bus base expansion project. With plans to transition to a zero emissions fleet by 2035, the agency began work at its South Campus base in Tukwila to support the new electric buses.

The transition is in motion at Metro’s South Base with the construction of the test-charging facility for its next generation of battery-electric coaches.

Furthermore, the Interim Base, Metro’s first project, will support the agency’s early battery-electric bus operations in 2025/2026. Design and construction of the electric charging upgrades will happen over the next few years.

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In addition, Metro’s South Annex Base is expected to be completed by 2025-2027 and will house up to 250 battery-electric buses, one of the largest zero-emissions bus bases in the country, once it is complete. The agency is currently in the early stages of the design process, which will last around three years. 

Metro’s South Campus expansion is leading the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. As the region continues to grow, the government agency is committed to creating new jobs, providing job training and continued community workforce agreements. Metro is also committed to engaging with Tukwila residents in the design process for the South Annex Base, providing opportunities for the public to comment on the design process.